Wax cutter for candles

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed toward providing a device for cutting away wax buildup from around the wick of a candle, thereby to once again expose the wick and enable the candle to again be lit. The invention is configured as a relatively small cylindrical object having a wax cutting assembly at one end so that by rotating the device around a wick the wax will be cut away and the wick exposed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to candles and more specifically to a device for extending the useful life of candles.

Usually when a candle is lit, the wax around the wick will become liquid. After the candle has been extinguished the wax hardens and forms a wax buildup around the wick. After a number of uses the wax which is built up around the wick may cover the wick completely thereby making it impossible to once again light the candle.

The present invention is directed toward providing a device for cutting away this wax buildup from around the wick of a candle, thereby to once again expose the wick and enable the candle to again be lit. The invention is intended to be useful in permitting the removal of the wax buildup with ease and in a manner which is not messy and which will permit discarding of the removed wax without difficulty.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a device in accordance with the invention taken along the line 1-1 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 2 is an elevation of the device according to the invention as viewed from the right side of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an elevation of the device of the invention as viewed from the left side of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 4 is a view from the bottom of the device as shown in FIG. 2 as viewed from the line 4-4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the drawings, it will be seen that the invention comprises an elongate hollow cylindrical body 10 having a cutting assembly 14 attached at one end thereof. The cutting assembly 14, which is shown in greater detail in Fig.4, comprises a plurality of individual cutting members 12 affixed at an end of the cylindrical body 10 and each having a cutting edge 18 formed thereon.

The cutting members 12 are arranged on the cylindrical body 10 so as to form a central opening 20. A removable cap 22 is located at the end of the body 10 opposite the cutting assembly 14 so as to permit the removal of candle wax which may accumulate within a wax collection chamber 16 in the cylindrical body 10 during use of the device of the present invention, as will be described hereinafter.

In the operation of the device of the present invention, assuming that a candle (not shown) has had an accumulation of wax built up around a wick thereof such as to prevent the candle from being lit, the device of the invention may be placed over the candle with the central opening 20 positioned so that the wick of the candle will extend into the central opening 20 as the device of the invention is rotated, e.g., clockwise assuming that the cutting edges 18 have been formed as shown, to cut away the wax which has built up around the candle wick by the cutting edges 18. Thus, the wax will be forced into the interior 16 of the cylindrical body 10 as the wick extends through the opening 20.

Once a sufficient amount of wax has been removed so as to expose a sufficient length of wick, the device of the invention may be removed and the candle will be ready for use.

The wax which has been removed from around the wick will accumulate in the chamber 16 of cylindrical body 10 and may be readily discarded merely by removing the end cap 22 and turning cylindrical body 10 to allow the wax to fall from the open end thereof from which the cap 22 has been removed.

The cylinder 10 may comprise a length of approximately 4 inches with a diameter of ¾ inch. The central opening 20 should be sufficiently large to enable a candle wick to pass through.

The cylindrical body 10 is formed with a grip area 24 for the thumb and forefinger to facilitate use of the device.

While the present invention has been described herein with reference to a preferred embodiment thereof, it should be understood that various changes and modifications may be provided without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. 

1. A device for cutting away accumulated wax from around the wick of a candle comprising: a cylindrical member having cutting means affixed at one end thereof; said cutting means comprising a plurality of cutting members each affixed to said cylindrical member and defining a cutting edge capable of cutting away wax from around the wick of said candle when said cutting device is placed over the wick of said candle and rotated; said cutting members being arranged to define centrally of said cylindrical member an opening through which said wick may extend when said device is rotated to cut away said wax.
 2. A device according to claim 1 wherein said cutting means comprise five individual cutting members each affixed at one end of said cylindrical member.
 3. A device according to claim 1 wherein said cylindrical member is formed with a hollow interior and wherein said cutting members are arranged to direct wax cut away from around said wick into said hollow interior
 4. A device according to claim 3 further comprising a removable cap member at an end thereof opposite said one end adapted to facilitate discarding of wax accumulating within said hollow interior.
 5. A device according to claim 1 wherein said cylindrical member is approximately 4 inches in length and approximately ¾ inch in diameter. 